Water restrictions begin for South Hokianga

The Far North District Council is asking South Hokianga households and businesses connected to its Opononi-Omapere and Rawene-Omanaia water supplies to conserve water after an unusually dry winter.

Level 2 water restrictions are now in place for both water supplies. The Council automatically imposes the limits every year early in December to protect the area’s vulnerable water sources.

General Manager – Infrastructure and Asset Management, Andy Finch, says the Level 2 restrictions require residents to stop using automatic or unattended garden hoses, sprinklers and irrigation devices.

“Now is a good time to remind South Hokianga residents that the streams we rely on to meet their water needs are sensitive to drought. Unfortunately, these streams are already at much lower levels than normal for this time of the year.”

He says the Council has worked hard to make water supplies more dependable and resilient. “Our new $2.8 million water treatment plant for Rawene-Omanaia, which includes extra storage to reduce demand on the Petaka Stream, is in the final stages of completion. We are also making good progress on a new bore at Opononi-Omapere where we rely on the Waiotemarama Stream and Waiarohia Dam. That project should be completed next year, reducing the need for future restrictions.”

However, the long-term weather forecast has predicted little significant rain for the area. This, combined with the summer influx of visitors, will place the supplies under even more strain than normal over summer.

“Reducing water consumption now will delay and hopefully avoid the need for tighter restrictions in the new year,” Mr Finch says.

The Be Waterwise Whakanuia to whakaaro ki te wai website bewaterwise.org.nz/ has more information on water restrictions in your area and tips on saving water.  

Residents seeking an exemption from water restrictions can go to https://www.fndc.govt.nz/savewater for more details and to apply. Applicants must demonstrate significant hardship and have no practical alternative water source. Exemptions will be granted only in exceptional circumstances.

Phone 0800 920 029 to tell the Council about water leaks or breaches to water restrictions.